Javier Milei declares end of socialism after celebrating Trump victory

In late November 2024, during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Argentine President Javier Milei presented himself as a leader of the global far-right. The conference was attended by a predominantly young male audience, reflecting a strong desire for political change in the region. Milei criticized left-wing leaders from various countries, including Pedro Sánchez from Spain and Gustavo Petro from Colombia, while asserting that socialism should be dismantled. His rhetoric emphasized the importance of uniting the far-right globally to combat what he termed 'the garbage of socialism.' Much of his address targeted leftist policies, proclaiming that socialism’s economic failures have led to ideological success, which he found unacceptable. Milei's passionate speech was part of a broader dialogue among attendees, who paid considerable sums to attend the event. He stood among other prominent figures who aligned themselves with similar political values, including associates from his political party, La Libertad Avanza. In his address, he highlighted the necessity of a cultural battle alongside political action. Furthermore, Milei discussed a need to decisively wield power against political adversaries. He claimed that confronting socialism involves not just political discourse but an aggressive strategy to reclaim ideological dominance. The conference also showcased video messages from notable politicians, including Steve Bannon and Jair Bolsonaro, emphasizing the international dimension of Milei's political aspirations. The narratives presented at CPAC signified a momentous occasion for supporters of Milei, framing it as a historical opportunity that could change the political landscape both within Argentina and globally. The overwhelming support for Milei’s vision illustrates the growing influence of far-right politics across various nations, and attendees expressed a collective hope in his ability to challenge the status quo effectively. This event crystallized the far-right's intentions following Milei's ascension to the presidency and highlighted the challenges that progressive candidates now face in Latin America. The enthusiasm at CPAC resembled gatherings of far-right supporters elsewhere, aligning with trends observed in other parts of the world following significant political victories like Donald Trump's. As Milei rallied support against leftist policies, he reinforced his commitment to an agenda of fiscal austerity and deregulation, promising to dismantle state apparatuses that he believes hamper freedom and economic growth. This narrative is central to Milei's appeal, as he connects with an electorate eager for profound change and disillusioned with traditional liberal policies.